Cañadón Caracoles entrance
Portal Cañadón Caracoles is framed by a unique and ancient landscape. The canyon slices deeply along a foundation
of Jurassic rocks deposited some 150 millions years ago by intense volcanic activity.
Later on in history, glaciations transformed the landscape. The advance of ice from the southwest reached the confluence of the Pinturas and Caracoles Rivers one million years ago, and subsequent glaciations and fast-flowing meltwater rivers continued to deepen the depression.
Around fifteen thousand years ago, a great Andean lake fed into the basin of this canyon, its waters—along with those of the Pinturas River—flowing towards the Atlantic Ocean. Its water level reduced significantly when Pueyrredon and Buenos Aires Lakes began to drain towards the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the Caracoles Canyon presents a myriad of landslides, sediments, and saltwater lagoons that preserve the imprint of a once-great river that has now disappeared.
The experience of traversing it tends to include the presence of Wolffsohn’s viscachas, which have been recently reintroduced to the region through rewilding, in addition to black-chested buzzard eagles, Andean condors, and elusive pumas. Peruvian pepper trees and barberry bushes stand out among the plant species.
Business hours are from 9 AM to 7 PM. To enter out of hours, please use the self-registry located in the gateway’s information center.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching:
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing section
The rock climbing section of Portal Cañadón Caracoles has been a community space for local residents for many years.
It includes 80 routes of varying degrees of difficulty, framed by a spectacular landscape that invites climbers to imagine the millennia-old processes that formed the canyon.
The climbing routes can be used freely. They are guarded by a monitor who lives in the area (beginning in January).Visitors can access the Planetarium, the trails, and the rural grocery store from the parking area.
HIKING
El Cóndor Lookout
El Condor Lookout rests on an elevated moraine on the edge of the Pinturas Canyon. It includes tables and benches, and its picture windows offer unforgettable views of the canyon’s diverse geological formations. It has a parking lot and is free to use.
Around 80 climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty make this sector an important attraction for the outdoor adventuring community.
The trails of this gateway offer unique views of diverse landscapes and a new access on foot to Cueva de las Manos. These routes complement the hiking and wildlife watching experience that begins at the Cañadón Pinturas Gateway, whose valley joins that of the Caracoles some twelve kilometers from the rock climbing sector.Visitors can access the Planetarium, the trails, and the rural grocery store from the parking area.
LODGING
Cañadón Caracoles Camping
The gateway includes a rugged campground with ten platforms for tents, each equipped with a picnic table with benches. Prior reservation 15 days in advance is required. Otherwise, spaces are allocated by order of arrival. Reserve a spot by contacting Patagonia Park through WhatsApp at: +54 9 2966 22-8408.
SERVICES
Information Center
There are two parking lots: one for RVs, which can remain in place until they need to empty their black water tanks, because this location does not have a space for this end.
The second parking lot has a maximum capacity of 20 vehicles and is exclusively for campground use or for hikers and climbers.
Neighbouring Communities
Perito Moreno
Perito Moreno, located on the RN 40, is a convenient stop for refueling, shopping, and accessing an ATM. Before visiting the Cueva de las Manos park, we recommend a visit to the Carlos Gradin Archeology Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the region’s first hunter-gatherers’ way of life. You can also check out the famous Cafe Iturrioz located in the beautiful Iturrioz building, where you can enjoy a drink at the bar and explore the art exhibitions frequently held there.
Perito Moreno Tourism Office
Av. San Martín corner National Gendarmerie
Tel/WhatsApp: +54 9 297 623 8811
+54 9 297 418 1910
turismoperitomoreno@gmail.com
Bajo Caracoles
Located on Route 40, it is 75 km south of Portal Cañadón Pinturas.
Los Antiguos Tourism Office
Lago Buenos Aires 59
Tel/Whatsapp: +54 9 2976 21-2055
turismolosantiguos@gmail.com
Other entrances
There are four entry points to the park, each offering hiking routes of varying degrees of difficulty to explore on foot as well as campsites for overnight stays.